When to Plant Soybeans in Kankakee County, IL
Soybeans (edamame) are a high-protein legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Fresh green soybeans harvested at the edamame stage are a nutritious snack.
Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Kankakee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.
Kankakee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Kankakee County
How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.8) is within Soybeans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kankakee County is excellent for Soybeans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Soybeans will thrive.
How to Plant Soybeans
Succession Planting Soybeans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Kankakee County, IL
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Kankakee County
Growing Tips for Soybeans in Kankakee County
Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after April 20 in Kankakee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Soybeans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow after soil warms to 60F. Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. Harvest for edamame when pods are plump and bright green.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Soybeans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Soybeans in Kankakee County, IL?
Kankakee County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kankakee County, IL?
Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Kankakee County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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